
Book li 



/ 

EVENTS AND INCIDENTS 

IN THE HISTORY OF 

GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT. 



i 



*nt. 




" The enemy's balls have thinned ovn banks. His numbers are otek- 
WHELMiNG. Directly the shock must come, and there is no retreat. Wh 

ARE IN THE BEGINNING OF A NATIONAL WaB. HuLL'S IGNOMINIOUS SURRENDEa 
must be RETRIEVED. LeT US DIE, THEN, ARMS IN HAND. OuR COUNTRY DEMANDS 
THE SACRIFICE. ThE EXAMPLE AVILL NOT BE LOST. ThE BLOOD OF THE S-LAIN 
WILL MAKE HEBOES OF THE LIVING. WlIO IS READY^ FOR THE SACRIFICE?" S(Ott's 

Speech at Queenstown Heights. 



WASHINGTON : 
PRINTED BY KIRK WOOD k McGILL. 

1852. 






PREFACE. 

This brief sketch of some of the most important and thrilling events and inci- 
dents in the Life of Winfield Scott is intended to be read by men of all parties 
•ffho dare to seek for truth ; and the writer challenges a fair investigation of its 
statements. They are compiled from oflBcial and authentic records. He does 
not seek to detract from others, nor to deck the brow of the Conquebob with 
laurels unfairly won. Side by side and shoulder to shoulder stood Democrats and 
Whigs through the fierce and terrible conflicts which these pages record. Let 
them be friends no less in peace. c. b. a. 



^ Z f / 4 
'04 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

[Orders for this edition of Scott's Life may be addressed to Kirkwood & McGill, 
Washington, D. C, who will forward them to any direction, at the rate of $1 50 
per hundred copies.] 



GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT. 



INCIDENTS AND EVENTS IN HIS HISTORY. 



The fame and achievements of Winfield Scott are the com- 
mon property of every American. No section of our great 
Republic can claim, and no party can exclusively appropriate 
them. In times of high political excitement, the passions of 
men are appealed to and addressed with overwrought statements, 
and the intelligent as well as the illiterate are led away from the 
sober truth of history. The record of our American times will 
scarcely furnish a parallel to what is now before us. 

Are we not all Democrats and Republicans, in heart and 
soul; admirers of the Father of his Country — the Immortal 
Washington — and of the long line of patriot-soldiers and states- 
men who have succeeded him ? The names of Adams, Jefferson, 
Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Taylor, and Scott are all our 
property — the true basis of our national pride and glory. They 
established, by their wisdom and virtue, the foundations and 
pillars of our independence, and with their conquering arms 
drove the oppressors from our shores ; bore the stars and stripes 
in triumph to the proud City of Mexico ; astonished the whole 
civilized world with our achievements; and added half a conti- 
nent, whose bosom was rich in gold, and whose shores were 
washed by the mighty Pacific, to our domain. The name of 
Winfield Scott is reverently spoken in the courts of the 
haughtiest monarchs in Europe, and has drawn from the Con- 
queror of Napoleon the reluctant acknowledgment that he is 
"The greatest Military Captain of the age." 

The war of the American Revolution only severed us from 
England, and left us in a state of half dependency. We were 
still oppressed, insulted, degraded, and looked upon by the 
nations of the earth as a crippled, isolated, brave, but misguided 
people, having the rudiments of civilization, but too weak for 
defence, and too poor to render us worthy of acquisition. 



» 

WAR OF 1812— dHAKGE AT CHIPPEWA. 

It was the war of 1812 which dissipated these impressions^ 
and secured to us those rights and that respect from abroad 
which we now enjoy. It was in this war that the genius of 
WiNFiELD Scott was first actually developed in heroic deeds. 
On the bloody plains of Chippewa we behold him charging at 
the head of his column of newly-disciplined Americans against 
the serried, steady, and hitherto invincible files of British bayo- 
nets, and asserting and demonstrating with awful certainty the 
fact of American superiority and courage. The British troops — 
proud and disdainful of YouNG Amekica, yet far superior in 
numbers, and composed of the veterans of the Bi'itish army; 
men Avho had faced death in every shape, — broke before the 
impetuosity of American bayonets, led on by Winfield Scott, 
and left him Conqueror of the Field. 

The news of this battle thrilled every heart, gladdened the 
family circle round every hearth-stone in the land, inspired 
coui'age and confidence, and tirrned the disastrous tide of war 
which flowed from the cowardly surrender of Hull at Detroit. 
The charm of British bayonets was broken. Winfield Scott 
was everywhere hailed as a Deliverer, and success on sea followed 
success on land, till the hateful clangor of British arms was 
hushed to eternal silence on our shores. From that time forth, 
on every field, and in every section of this continent, the 
announcement that " Scott leads the column" has been the pre- 
cursor of certain victory. Perhaps there is no single remark of 
his life more indicative of his self-reliance and cool calculation 
of success than that which he made to a British officer who was 
at the head of a greatly superior force, and supported by six 
hundred savage and blood-thirsty Indians. It was this: The 
British commander had summoned Scott to surrender, and in- 
formed him that if he did not comply, he should not hold himself 
responsible for the Indians — meaning that they would be let 
loose to butcher the prisoners that might be taken ! Scott received 
the messenger politely, but the message with scorn; and said, 
"Tell your Commander to COME AND TAKE ME IF HE 
CAN. I'll be responsible forvIhe blood-thirsty Indians I"" 

battle of queenstown heights— an eloquent speech. 

It was on the Heights of Queenstown, in 1812, that Seott 
delivered his brief but memorable stump speech. He arrived 
upon the ground weary with rapid marches, and eager to join •- 
his brave companions in arms. The battle raged furiously, 
and column after column disappeared under a murderous fire 
from the enemy's battery, and brave officers and men made 



their dying coucTi where they were rocked by the storm of 
battle, and where their fevered temples were bathed in blood. 
Our little force, now reduced to six hundred, was entrusted to 
his command. He drew them up with their faces to the foe, and 
ca\mly awaited the assault. The fierce yell of five hundred 
savage Indians, hideously painted, mingled with the shouts of the 
British. regulars as they swept on to the assault. The tall form 
of Scott was a conspicuous target for the Indian rifles ; but it 
inspired his OAvn troops with unflinching courage. The enemy 
were again and again repulsed, and the ground strewed for many 
rods around with the dead and the dying. 

At length several reinforcements of British and Indians ar- 
rived upon the field, and swelled the enemy's numbers to 1,300 
fighting men. Our little band had been reduced to three hun- 
hunred, and no succor was at hand. The American troops on 
the opposite side of the river gazed listlessly on the conflict, but 
steadfastly refused to cross the line. To retreat was what Win- 
field Scott had never studied nor lea.rned. Yet his brave spirit 
did not quail before the bristling steel of England, nor tremble 
beneath the uplifted tomahawk of the savage. Anxious faces 
were upturned to his, and for a moment the band of heroes was 
still. Scott mounted a log, and looking around him for a mo- 
ment on his brave companions, as if for the last time on earth, 
he said : " The enemy's balls have thinned our ranks. His 

NUMBERS are OVERWHELMING. DiRECTLY THE SHOCK MUST 
COME, AND THERE IS NO RETREAT. We ARE IN THE BEGINNING 

OF A National War. Hull's ignominious surrender must 
BE retrieved. Let us die, then, arms in hand. Our coun- 
try demands the sacrifice. The ex^Imple will not be lost. 
The blood of the slain will make heroes of the living. 
Who is ready for the .sacrifice?" " We are all ready," 
was the response. We may search in vain for eloquence more 
thrilling, for evidences of patriotism more conclusive, or for 
nobler, higher bravery than this. Human history does not and 
cannot furnish it. " Our country demands the sacrifice. 
The example will not be lost. The blood of the slain 
will make heroes of the living." 

SCOTT IS treacherously ATTACKED BY TWO SAVAGE CHIEFS. 

Scott was at length surrounded, overwhelmed with numbers, 
and taken prisoner. His high bearing and heroic deeds earned 
him the respect of the British ofiicers, and they held him in 
reluctant reverence. Not so with the savage chiefs who had 
thirsted for his blood. They sought for him, and while he was 
under guard in an Inn, a messenger came with the announcement 



that some one wished to speak to the " Tall American/ He 
advanced to the narrow passage to receive his visitors, and to his 
surprise encountered twa armed savages, hideously painted for 
battle. They had before attempted to slay him at the surrender 
on the Heights. He had proved invincible to their bullets, and 
they came to tomahawk him. In their rude manner they told 
him how many times they had aimed and fired at his heart. 
Under pretence of looking for ball marks, they seized his person, 
and springing back with the ferocity of tigers, exclaimed together, 
" We kill you now !" Scott, with that presence of mind and 
quickness of thought which has never forsaken him even in the 
darkest hour, seized a heavy sabre from under the old, staircase, 
and with uplifted blade dared them to strike. They cowered 
before him ; and with their savage weapons still poised in air, 
were summarily driven from the building by the British guard, 
which happily for them had been attracted by the noise, and at 
that moment appeared. 

RESCUES THE IRISH PRISONERS. 

The history of the rescue by General Scott of the Irish pris- 
oners taken at Queenstown is surely too familiar to every Ameri- 
can ear to need repetition. England, cruel and unrelenting as 
she always is in war, claimed the right to execute those who, 
having been born on her soil, were found in arms against her. 
General Scott disputed and contested this right, not only while 
a prisoner, but before his government. He told the British 
officers, that for every adopted American citizen thus found in 
arms, who should be hung in England, an equal number of British 
prisoners should be executed here ; and that he would give them 
no quarter in battle. No Irish soldier should suffer a dishonorable 
death, when he could sell his life so gloriously on the field of 
strife. Scott's word and policy were fully carried out, and not 
one of the twenty-three Irishmen sent to England were hung. 
They were released after the war, and (as if by a providential 
coincidence) returning to America, met their deliverer upon the 
wharf where they landed. They grasped his war-worn hand, 
while the tears of joy coursed down their cheeks of sternest man- 
hood. They had met a true friend. 

IS EXCHANGED, AND RETURNS TO NIAGARA. 

General Scott, having been exchanged as a prisoner of war, 
early in 1813 rejoined the American army at Fort Niagara, and 
soon after led his troops into that memorable fight which has so 
indissolubly connected his name with the battle and capture of 
Fort George. He formed his men into six columns on the beach 



beneatli the walls, and, as usual, led the advance. At first the 
Americans recoiled beneath the sudden and murderous fire from 
the enemy ; but,, recovering their ground, they rushed impetu- 
ously forward, pursuing the flying columns of the British now in 
full retreat. He assaulted the fort, forced the gates, and was 
himself the first to enter. Pressing impetuously forward at the 
head of his conquering column, with his own hand he seized the 
flag of England that was waving above the walls, and cut its 
fastenings with his sword. The garrison beat a hasty retreat, 
having first applied a match to the magazine, which exploded, 
scattering its ruins far and wide. Scott was badly wounded. 
The capture was complete, and though smarting under his injury, 
he hastily remounted, and pursued the flying enemy at the head 
of his detachment. A peremptory order from his commanding 
general only prevented him from taking prisoners the entire 
British force. 

SEVERAL IMPORTANT EVENTS. 

After leading an expedition against Burlington Heights and 
York, Scott organized a new army ; labored many months, with 
untiring zeal and purpose; crossed the Niagara frontier into 
Canada; took Fort Erie; and on the 5th July, 1841, routed the 
whole British force on the plain of Chippewa,. Some of the 
leading incidents of that battle are already given. The loss of 
the British in this engagement was a trifle less than one-fourth 
of their entire force. 

Scott's generalship was now firmly established. His own 
courage inspired his soldiers, and they followed his tall form and 
waving plume into the thickest battle, as though victory were a 
certain thing. They beheld in him the very elements of success. 
He always charged at the head of his column, while the heaps 
of the slain told too plainly where his sword had been. 

THE BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE. 

"'Tis the hand of the mighty that grasps the rein, 
Conducting the free and the fearless ; 
Ah, see them rush forward, with wild disdain, 
Through paths unfrequented and cheerless." 

The battle of Lundy's Lane confirmed the invincibility of our 
soldiers when led by Scott, and inspired new courage round every 
hearth-stone, and in every patriot heart in the land. The name 
of WiNFiELD Scott was upon every lip. But the victory at 
Lundy's Lane was not cheaply won. It was the Bunker Hill of 
the last war with England, except that the field remained in 
possession of the Americans. It was there that Scott was twice 
wounded, and in the moment of victory borne from the field 



8 

•pierced with biiftetS. That battle was perhaps the fiercest, 
grandest, ever fought in America. ^ The unceasing roar of the 
mighty flood of waters Which rdake the great cataract of Niagara, 
mingling with the thunder of cannon, the din of musketry, the 
clashing" of sabres, and the fierce conflict of bayonets as they 
crossed each other in their work of death, completed a scene 
sublime and terrible beyond description. 

A writer, who has well described the battle in detail, says : 
*' On the 25th July, Major General Brown, the commander in 
chief of the American forces in Canada, received the false intel- 
ligence that Riall had so far recovered from his late defeat at 
Chippewa as to throw across to the American shore, from Lewiston, 
a corps of 1,000 men. He immediately determined upon making a 
demonstration against the fort below, in order to compel Riall to 
return. Scott, at the head of his brigade, now reduced by his 
losses to about 1,300 men, immediately set forth on this errand. 
But he soon found himself with hotter work on hand. He had 
proceeded but about two miles when he fell upon a reconnoitering 
party of the enemy, and for the first time ascertained that a large 
body of their troops were posted in the immediate neighborhood. 
Pressing on, he came into the presence of a well-stationed force 
under General Riall, about 1,800 strong, who at once opened 
upon Scott a destructive fire of musketry and of nine pieces of 
artillery. The entire body of the enemy were drawn up on a 
ridge in order of battle. His right rested on a wood, and his. 
left on a road running parallel with the river. Directly in front, 
and between the combatants, lay Lundy's Lane. Scott discovered 
Boon after his arrival, that General Riall was being reinforced 
by three battalions under General Drummond, and that his num- 
bers had been swelled to about 3,000 men. 

" Finding himself thus surprised into a battle against such 
immense odds, he might well have determined to retire and await 
the arrival of reinforcements under General Brown before going 
into action. But with undaunted purpose he resolved to stand 
his ground. He, however, immediately dispatched an aid to Gen- 
eral Brown requesting him to hasten to his assistance. It was 
enow six o'clock in the afternoon. The quick eye of Scott dis- 
£.overing the opportunity, he immediately ordered General Jes- 
rj^up's battalion to turn the enemy's left flank. Under cover of 
atsout 200 yards of under-growth, which concealed the operation, 
Jessup accomplished his object in a brilliant manner, and not 
only cut ofi" the left wing of the enemy, but triumphantly broke 
through their ranks and returned into line, bearing off Major- 
General Riall and some other British officers .prisoners. The 
enemy, outflanking our troops on the right, made a powerful at- 
tempt, backed by murderous discharges of cannon, and favored 



by superior numbers, to turn our position. General Scott per- 
ceiving the attempt, and intent upon foiling so threatening a 
movement, despatched McNeil's battalion to repulse the enemy. 
A most obstinate eonflict, conducted upon both sides Avith great 
vehemence, followed. The assailants recoiled, and were punished 
with dreadful severity. Meantime the main battle of the two 
centi-es had joined and was fought Avith great fierceness. The 
American line sustained with unshaken valor the Avliole weight 
of the enemy's superior numbers, now precipitated upon them 
with furious impetuosity. Our gallant band, though suffering 
intensely, displayed unconquerable resolution. The command- 
ing presence and heroic example of their intrepid commander, 
who, regardless of all peril, Avith unwearied vigor, Avas foremost 
in every post of danger, nerved them to unparalleled efforts. 
The battalions of Scott on this occasion, before he was succored 
by General Brown, were dreadfully cut up. Night came on, and 
beneath the uncertain light of the moon, wading deep through 
the broken clouds, the desperate strife was continued. General 
Scott had had tAvo horses killed under him, and been Avounded 
in the side by a bullet. But in noAvise subdued, he rushed into 
the contest on foot, and continued to the end in the thickest of 
the fight. 

" The British infantry continued to pour their deadly fire upon 
our Aveakened ranks ; and their artillery, posted in a commanding 
position, on the crest of a neighboring height, which commanded 
the Avhole field of battle, at every discharge thundered death 
upon our devoted columns. At length, at nine o'clock at night, 
after three hours of this deadly struggle on the part of General 
Scott, General Brown arrived upon the ground Avith his reinforce- 
ment. The enemy, which, with vastly superior numbers, had 
barely withstood the determined bravery of General Scott's little 
army, and only maintained itself in the centre under the guns of 
the artillery, was now obliged to yield. The regiment of the 
heroic Miller was deputed to the perilous service of silencing the 
British battery on the heights. General Scott volunteered to 
lead the way, and did so, through the darkness, up to the point 
of attack. He then returned to favor Miller's movement, and 
made another onset upon the British line, in which his battalion 
suffered even more than before. After a series of desperate 
hand-to-hand encounters, Miller was successful, and the batteries 
were silenced. 

" Under the renewed furious charges of our troops the enemy 
were now forced to retire, and abandon the field to the Americans. 
In one of the last of these charges, just at the close of the action, 
amid terrible fighting, Scott Avas severely wounded, and had to 
be borne from the field. The battle was fought with desperate 



10 

energy on both sides, and tlie losses, considering the numbers 
engaged, were great. General Scott's brigade, upon which fell 
the brunt of the battle, lost 463 of its 1,300 men ; a far greater 
proportion of our troops than fell at Buena Vista. The total loss 
of the Americans in killed and wounded was 743. That of the 
British, 726." 



1814 TO 1847. 

Our sketch must now be rapid. Great men live in deeds, not 
words. 

SCOTT GOES TO BUFFALO AND PHILADELPHIA. 

Wounded and weary, the Hero of Lundy's Lane was borne 
on a rude couch to Buffalo, and afterwards to Williamston and 
Geneva. The loss of blood . had left him weak, but his restless 
spirit could not bear inactivity, and he moved on towards Phila- 
delphia, that he might obtain the best surgical assistance. 

IS EVERYWHERE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED. 

He was received everywhere on the route with the highest 
honors, and enthusiastically welcomed by his grateful and ad- 
miring countrymen. 

ARRIVES AT WASHINGTON. 

He arrived at Washington in October, and was at once invested 
by President Madison with the responsible duty of planning the 
next year's campaign. The treaty of Ghent, ratified by our 
Government on the 15th February (1815) following, happily 
relieved him of this undertaking. 

IS OFFERED A SEAT IN MADISON'S CABINET. 

WiNFiELD Scott was now but twenty-eight years of age. His 
brilliant and successful campaign in Canada had retrieved the 
disgrace of Hull's surrender, and won for him the entire confi- 
dence of his Government, and particularly of President Madi- 
son, by whom he was tendered the post of Secretary of War and 
a seat in his Cabinet. Gen. Scott declined the honor and ease 
of this position, that he might serve his country in the field. 
GOES TO EUROPE. 

Meanwhile he went to Europe on a public mission. He con- 
ducted his negotiations with marked ability ; stored his mind with 
all that could be useful to our infant military system ; returned 
to his own country, and was placed in command of the eastern 
division of the army, with his headquarters at New York. 



11 

CONGRESS THANKS HIM. 

Congress passed a vote of thanks for his services in the field. 
It presented him with a large gold medal, inscribed with the 
names of "Chippewa," and "Niagaka," and bearing also his 
likeness. 

NEW YORK AND VIRGINIA THANK HIM. 

New York and Virginia passed votes of thanks to the Hero 
of Lundy's Lane and ChippcAva ; and each presented him with a 
sword of splendid finish, in token of their admiration of "A 

MILITARY CAREER REPLETE WITH SPLENDID EVENTS." 

ESTABLISHES OUR MILITARY SYSTEM. 

General Scott now devoted his time to study, and established 
our military system. His written works were published by order 
of Congress — the highest evidence of their ability. 

SYMPATHIZES DEEPLY WITH SOUTH AMERICA. 

He took a deep and active interest in the struggle of the 
South American republics for independence. He secured a 
military education at West Point to the three sons of General 
Paez, of Colombia, and sent them home to fight for the liberties 
of their country. 

THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In 1829, he visited Europe again on a tour of military obser- 
vation, and gleaned from their military system all that could be 
valuable to America. After some months he returned, and in 
1832 was ordered by the War Department to take command of 
an army to subdue the savages under the celebrated Indian Chief 
"Black Haavk," on the Upper Mississippi. 

THE CHOLERA. 

He embarked at Buffalo with four steamboats, and one thou- 
sand men. The Asiatic Cholera — a scourge more terrible 
than the tomahawks and scalping-knives of the savage tribes — 
broke out among the troops, and swept nearly one-half the entire 
number into sudden and unlooked-for graves. Gloom, despair, 
and death seized upon the men, and every hour added to the 
number of the victims. Scott moved among them, performing 
the most disagreeable and dangerous ofiices with his OAvn hands — 
administering medicines, smoothing the pillow of death, and 
consigning their bodies to soldiers' graves. That proud form, so 
fierce and terrible in the blast of battle, was now melted to ten- 
derness, and gave to the world the evidences of a heart as warn^ 
and generous as it had ever been heroic. 



12 

MAKES TREATIES WITH INDIANS— IS CONGRATULATED BY CASS. 

Meanwhile, Black Hawk had been captured ; but Scott pro- 
ceeded to his place of destination, and made important treaties 
with the Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebagoes, and on his return 
received from General Cass, who was then Secretary of War 
under General Jackson, the following tribute : 

" Allow me to congratulate you, sir, upon this fortunate consummation of 
your ai-duous duties, and to express my entire approbation of the whole course 
of your proceedings, during a series of difficulties requiring higher moral courage 
than the operations of an active campaign, under ordinary circumstances. 

"LEWIS CASS." 

SETTLES THE SOUTH CAROLINA AND " OLD HICKORY" WAR. 

In 1832 South Carolina threatened to defy the laws of Con- 
gress, and resist by force and arms the federal officers. The 
iron will of Old Hickory was roused, and in his wrath he sent 
General Scott to teach them their duties, if need be, at the point 
of the bayonet. Scott undertook the task with alacrity, strongly 
backed up by General Jackson, who reposed in him the highest 
confidence. Providence watched over every movement ; and 
instead of fertilizing the soil of South Carolina with fraternal 
blood, Scott returned with the olive branch of peace. Had he 
failed in this mission, America, instead of being (what she now 
is) a great, prosperous, and free country, would in all human 
probability have become a reproach and a by-word to the world. 
Scott and Jackson saved the Union. 

is sent against the seminoles. 

In 1836 he was sent to Florida, and scoured that territory in 
search of the Seminoles. They eluded his pursuit. The Creeks 
in Georgia, meanAvhile, commenced war on the white people of 
that State, and General Scott was ordered there to put them 
down, Avhich he did with promptness. 

COMPLAINTS AT WASHINGTON. 

Complaints were made against him at Washington for private 
purposes, because he did not find the Seminoles in the swamps 
of Florida ; but a court of inquiry unanimously approved of his 
conduct,' and dismissed the charges with scorn. 

THE PATRIOT WAR, 

In 1837 an insurrectionary movement on our Canada border 
threatened to involve us in a war with England. The people of 
Canada were struggling to break the British yoke, and our people 
deeply sympathized with them. 

A British force had invaded our soil, and sent the steamer 



13 

Caroline in flames (and, as it was supposed, with Americans on 
board) over the Falls of Niagara. Public vengeance was aroused, 
and retaliations were fully determined on. The British had block- 
aded the river with two armed vessels, and threatened to fire upon 
the American steamer " Barcelona" should she pass. A cannon 
on the American side was loaded, and pointed, with a match 
at hand; the " Barcelona," was coming slowly up; and the first 
gun was the signal for war. The tall form of Scott appeared on 
the bluff overlooking the scene, and for a moment all was still. 
The Barcelona passed up; the British did not fire; and the blood 
that was to have opened the war flowed on in its current of life. 
A note from General Scott to the commander of the British 
vessels had prevented the execution of their threats, and saved 
the country millions of treasure and thousands of its citizens. 

REMOVES THE CHEROKEES. 

In 1838 General Scott removed the Cherokee Indians from 
the States of Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee, 
west of the Mississippi. They numbered some 15,000, and though 
bound by treaty, had refused to leave. Scott's kindness and hu- 
manity subdued them. They struck their tents and took up the 
weary line of march for their distant homes, where the white man 
should not molest them. 

Rev. Dr. Channing, in a lecture on war in 1838, speaking of 
the removal of the Cherokees, said: "Much, also, is due to the 
beneficent influence of General Scott. To this distinguished man 
belongs the honor of uniting with military energy and daring 
the spirit of philanthropist. His exploits in the field, which placed 
him in the first rank of soldiers, have been obscured by the purer 
and more lasting glory of a pacificator, and a friend of mankind. 
In the whole history of the intercourse of civilized communities, 
we doubt whether a brighter page can be found than that which 
records his agency in the removal of the Cherokees. As far as 
the wrongs done to this race can be atoned for, General Scott 
has made the expiation. In his recent mission to the disturbed 
borders of our country he has succeeded, not so much by policy 
as by the nobleness, by the earnest conviction with which he has 
enforced, on all with whom he had to do, the obligations of pa- 
triotism, justice, humanity, and religion. It would not be easy 
to find among us a man who has won a purer fame." 

IS SENT EY VAN BUREN TO PREVENT A BOUNDARY WAR. 

In 1839 General Scott was sent by Mr. Van Burcn to settle 
the difficulties growing out of the disputed boundary between 
Maine and New Brunswick. Through his instrumentality the 



belligerent forces — already in the field and impatient for action — 
were withdrawn, and the boundary was run by the pen instead 
of the sword. It was here he earned the title of Pacificator. 

IS MADE COMMANDER IN CHIEF. 

In 1841 General Scott was made Commander in Chief of 
THE American Army, which commission he still holds. 



SCOTT SENT BY PRESIDENT POLK TO CONaUER 

MEXICO. 

The annexation of Texas to the United States exasperated the 
Mexicans to deeds of violence on the borders of the Rio Grande, 
and embittered the national feeling on both sides. A portion of 
the Mexican army invaded our territory and shed "American 
BLOOD ON American soil."* The President of the United States, 
with the most commendable promptness, declared war to exist by 
act of Mexico. The news spread quickly through the country on 
the telegraphic wires, and aroused the public mind to a high state 
of excitement. DiflFerent opinions as to the necessity of war ex- 
isted ; but they were soon forgotten in the struggle which followed. 

General Zachary Taylor, in command of the army of occu- 
pation, was suddenly beset, early in 1846, by a large body of 
Mexicans under General Arista. On the 8th of May, 1846, 
while the American forces, 2,300 strong, were on the march from 
Point Isabel, they were suddenly met at Palo Alto by 6,000 
Mexicans. After a fierce battle of five hours, the Mexican army 
retreated before the well-directed fire of General Taylor's guns, 
and left him in possession of the field. On the 9th General Tay- 
lor met and routed the enemy at Resaca de la Palma. The 
enemy was totally routed, and in addition to their killed and 
wounded, they lost eight pieces of artillery, large quantities of 
ammunition, and one general. 

The news of the two victories aroused the war spirit of the 
American people, and sent thousands of the bravest of our young 
men into the field to conquer or to die. The battle of Buena 
Vista and the storming of Monterey added new lustre to our 
arms, and covered the name of Zachary Taylor with glory. 
Tlie people attested their gratitude for his services in his elevation 
to the highest civil office in their gift, or in the world. 

SCOTT GOES TO MEXICO— TAKES VERA CRUZ AND THE CASTLE, 

In the meantime, it was evident that Mexico was neither hum- 
bled nor reduced. A new campaign was necessary. Her capital 

* The President's view of th'e case. 



15 

must be taken and her army crippled before she would consent 
to talk of peace. 

General Scott, who had hitherto been impatiently waitmg m 
Washington for orders, left on the 24th of November, 1846, for 
the theatre of action, with the same plan of war that he had drawn 
up and submitted to the President months before. Time proved 
THE UNERRING ACCURACY OF HIS CALCULATIONS. He arrived at 
the Rio Grande early in January following, and dividing General 
Taylor's army of 18,000 men, he took 8,000 with him to Vera 
Cruz by sea. He was shortly reinforced by 4,000 new troops, 
and the two forces combined at the island of Lobos. From this 
point the squadron sailed with 12,000 men. General Scott 
himself was on board the steamship Massachusetts. The proud 
steamer passed through the fleet as if conscious of the freight she 
bore ; the tall form of the Old Chieftain towered high above 
every other on the deck, and the shouts of thousands from the 
fleet conveyed to his heart the confidence of his daring soldiers. 

On the 9th of March the whole army was landed, without a 
single accident, on the beach within sight of Vera Cruz and the 
famous castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. This of itself is an achieve- 
ment unparalleled in the history of military operations of its 
character and kind, and reflects unfading glory on the head that 
planned, and the hand by which it was executed. 

General Scott reconnoitered the enemy's defences in person, 
and posted the army and fleet for the siege and bombardment. 
The lines of siege were five miles in length. The trenches were 
opened with the greatest rapidity, and everything was done quietly 
and in the most perfect order. The heavy guns of the castle 
opened their fire upon the persevering besiegers, but to little 
purpose. Not a shot was wasted on our side until the batteries 
were planted. On the 22d, thirteen days after landing. General 
Scott had completed his preparations for attack. He offered a 
free-conduct out of the city to all non-combatants, (which was 
generally refused, so great was the confidence in the strength of 
the city's defences,) and summoned the governor to surrender. 

The governor refused. 

The American batteries now opened a terrible fire upon the 
besieged city, while the ships poured their broadsides into the 
castle with murderous accuracy. The scene was magnificent and 
terrible beyond description. For three days and nights incessant 
discharges were continued, and our batteries vomited death and 
destruction upon the city and castle. The sea and the land were 
illuminated by the blazing shells, which, circling through the 
air, fell and burst within the walls. The domes of cathedrals, 
and the roofs of dwellings were shivered and torn by the ex- 
plosions which followed the discharge from every mortar, and the 



- 16 

city reeled beneath the terrible assault. Science, military skill, 
and determined bravery, were doing their worst. Scott had cal- 
culated the Avork before him, and was coolly performing it. 

After three days of terrible work the European consuls in the 
city applied to General Scott to suspend hostilities until they 
could retire with the women and children. He replied that he 
had offered them every facility to make their escape, had warned 
them of the danger, and oflered to protect them; 'that the hard- 
ships of women and children had been considered before a single 
gun was fired ; and having refused safety while it was iri^ their 
power, they must abide the consequences. 

It was evident that the defence could not long hold out. On 
the 26th, General Scott made arrangements to carry the city 
by assault. Early in the day, however, the Mexican commander 
made overtures of surrender. Commissioners were appointed, 
and the firing ceased. Late in the night of the 27th, articles 
of capitulation were signed and exchanged, and the stars and 
stripes were thrown to the breeze, and waved in triumph over 
the City and Castle ! 

During the siege, our batteries had thrown over IIALF A MIL- 
LION OF POUNDS OF SHOT AND SHELLS ! 

By the terms of capitulation, 5,000 prisoners surrendered on 
parole; 500 splendid pieces of artillery were taken; the best 
port in Mexico fell into our hands ; while the famous Castle of 
San Juand'Ulloa — the Gibraltar of America — yielded its frown- 
ing battlements and its heavy defences to Winfield Scott. Our 
own loss was but six killed and sixty Avounded. 

The whole country was so much astonished by the news of this 
achievement that the first reports Avere not believed. Scott's 
ofiicial dispatches soon furnished the confirmation. Europe Avas 
no less astonished than our own country, and the name of ScOTT 
Avas noAvl>ere mentioned but Avith admiration. 

LEAVES VERA CRUZ FOR MEXICO. 

The campaign was now auspiciously begun. With eight thou- 
sand men General Scott left Vera Cruz, and pushed on for the 
Halls of the Montezumas. 

After three days' march, he reached the foot of the mountain- 
pass of Cerro Gordo, whose summits were covered by fifteen 
thousand Mexicans, strongly fortified by heavy batteries. The 
quick eye of Scott saw every obstacle, and enabled him to plan 
the attack Avitli the most prophetic accuracy. A detachment of 
the army Avere ordered to cut a road around the mountain, which 
Avas accomplished unperceived by Santa Anna. Assaults were 
made from different points, Avith the most heroic energy ; and 



17 

tlio enemy were forced from their guns- at the point of the bayo- 
net. The rout was total and comj>letc. Santa Anna himself 
barely escaped on a mule, leaving one of his legs behind him. 
The Americans pressed on after the flying foe, until they halted 
at Jalapa. The fruits of this victory were three thousand pris- 
oners, forty-three pieces of bronze artillery of splendid finish, 
five thousand stand of arms, with five generals, and immense 
quantities of munitions and materials of war. General Scott 
himself was in the thickest of the fight, and shared the dangers 
with his men. 

If t^jye victory- was great, the loss was severe. The heroic 
Shields was shot through the lungs, and many of the best officers 
of the army were among the slain. General Scott paid every 
attention to Shields which sympathy for his sufferings could 
suggest, and a firm and lasting friendship exists between them 
as the result. 

At Jalapa General Scott addressed a proclamation to the 
Mexican people, full of wise admonition and generosity. The 
closing paragraph foreshadows, with prophetic earnestness, the 
great results which so quickly followed. He says : 

" I AM MARCHING WITH MY ARMY ON PUEBLA AND MeXICO 

I DO NOT CONCEAL IT ; FROM THOSE CAPITALS I SHALL AGAIN 
ADDRESS YOU." 

These words were indeed prophetic ! In a few weeks he en- 
tered in triumj)h the city of the ancient Mexican monarchs ! 

After the capture of Jalapa and the surrender of Perote, the 
army advanced towards the city of Mexico, dispersed 3,000 
Mexican cavaby under Santa Anna, and entered Puebla, where 
it was delayed by an unwise movement of the government at 
home, from the 15th of May until the 7th of August. 

With 10,700 men. General Scott at length moved upon the 
great road to the City. All connexion with the Coast was 
cut off, and all chance of retreat utterly hopeless. Before 
him lay a hostile city of 200,000 inhabitants, with every means 
of defence, and strengthened by an army well-appointed, 30,000 
to 40,000 strong. 

On the 14th of August, The City was in full sight, and pre- 
sented to our army a most magnificent spectacle. They looked 
upon it with feelings of indescribable emotion, while the perilous- 
ness of their own position added to the novelty of the scene before 
them. By a skillful movement General Scott abandoned the 
road which he took from Puebla, and threw his army by the 
shores of the lake to the Pacific road on the other side, and 
established his headquarters nine miles from the city, at San 
Augustine. 

Santa Anna, with 30,000 men, surrounded the capital in two 
2 



18 

lines of strong fortifications, and was fully prepared for the last 
and most desperate resistance. Sax Antonio, Contreras, 
and CiiUKUBUSCO lay between the besiegers and the city, and 
were strongly fortified by heavy artillery, and garrisoned by the 
bravest of the Mexican army. 

A writer who has described these scenes with a vivid pen, 
says : "" * 

" The 17th, 18th, and 19th of Aiigust had been'^passod in laborious efforts to 
acqiiire a full knowledge of the enemy's position, and lay the foundations for 
an effective attack. The 19th especially had been passed in severe exertions of 
the officers and men. Several skirmishes had taken j)lace, and an action of 
three hours -with the force on the hill of Contreras had been terminated without 
any marked result. The troops liad worked and suffered. To add to the dis- 
couragement of the day, the rain began to fall, and the night closed chill, wet, 
and dreary. It was passed in suffering and deep anxiety. The troops got no 
res't, but stood crowded together, drenched and benumbed, waiting for daylight. 
The officers met at the quarters of General Scott. , 

" There was despondency and apprehension. ' But,' saj'S an eye-witness, ' the 
confidence of all was restored by the great coolness and steadiness of the com- 
mander in chief. As the officers came in from the field, wet, fatigued, and 
weary, he made them all partake of a cheerful repast. His bearing was most 
noble. It exalted the spirits of all present.' " 

BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 

" The attack on Contreras had been admirably planned by the commander-in- 
chief, and on the morning of the 20th, at three o'clock, it was assailed in front 
and rear. The position was defended by General Valencia, commanding 7,000 of 
the veteran troops of Mexico. But so effectively had our forces been disposed, 
and so sudden and vehement was the attack, that the enemy was driven headlong 
from his entrenchments in an incredibly short space of time. In this engage- 
ment, 4,500 of American troops drove 7,000 Mexicans out of their strongholds, 
and pursued them with immense slaughter. The results of the battle were gigan- 
tic. Seven hundred of the enemy were killed, and eight hundred taken prison- 
ers. Twenty-two pieces of artillery were captured, besides seven hundred mules, 
and an immense quantity of small arms, shot, shells, and ammunition. But the 
chief brilliancy of the achievement consisted in the superior skill and strategy 
displayed by General Scott in planning and execiiting it. The loss of the Amer- 
icans waS' but sixty killed and wounded. 

FALL OF SAN ANTONIO. 

" The storming of Contreras enabled our troops to turn the enemy's rear at San 
Antonio, and opened the way to the village of Churubusco, five miles distant. 
The garrison of San Antonio, instead of awaiting an attack, immediately evacu- 
ated their position, after witnessing the capture of Contreras, and hastened to 
fall back upon Churubusco." 

GREAT BATTLE OF CHURUBUSCO. 

"The scattered forces of the enemy, driven from Conti-eras and San Antonio, 
had concenti-ated themselves upon Churubusco, in aid of that strong and import- 
ant position. Other troops had also flocked to it, and Santa Anna's entire dis- 
posable force was entrenched in and near that village. At least twenty-five thou- 
sand Mexicans, strongly posted, here awaited the onset of our army. As the 
American troops moved to the attack, a most terrific fire was opened upon them 
both by the infantry and artillery, along the whole extended line of the enemy. 
Several of the advanced companies of artillery, being precipitated upon a prin- 
cipal point of the defence, (San Pablo,) were almost entirely swept away by th» 



Id 

tremendous cannonade they had to encounter. Torrents of flame rolled dowu 
from the enemy's fortifications, ravaginc; our ranks Avith a deluge of slaughter. 
For more than* three hours was the great tide of battle successfully resisted by 
the enemy. Their murderous fire was, hoAvever, returned by our troops with un- 
flagging energy and desperate resolution. The attack was at length pressed with 
such impetuosity that the Mexican left began to wayer. Lieutenant Colonel 
Scott, heading two regiments of infantry, here made a furious assa\ilt upon the 
strongest of the enemy's works, (tet6-de-pont,) and carried it at the point of the 
bayonet, after a most obstiiuite conflict. The main body of the Mexican infantry 
Boon after gave way before the assailants. 

"Still one portion of the field was contested with fierce determination. But 
all resistance finally succumbed before the irresistible valor of our troops. As 
the last stronghold of the enemy yielded. General Scott, who had been wounded 
in the action by a grape-shot, made his appearance in that quarter, and was 
greeted with deafening cheers by his brave troops, now triumphant at all points. 
This memorable battle began soon after noon, and did not end till sunset. The 
loss of the Americans, in killed, wounded, and missing, was 1,05G. That of the 
Mexicans was 4,000 in killed and wounded, and 2,637 prisoners. It is conceded 
by the best military authorities that this decisive victory was chiefly owing to the 
prompt and masterly arrangements of the commander-in-chief, both before and 
during the engagement, and that to him, therefore, belongs the principal credit 
of this most glorioxis achievement of the American arms. But besides the mili- 
tary skill exhibited on the Avhole of this bloody day, ending with this terrible 
battle. General Scott displayed all the fire and heroic temper of his youth. The 
brilliant genius and courage that impelled his great efforts at Chippewa and 
Lundj'^s Lane here blazed out afresh, with renewed lustre. The contagion of his 
example of lofty courage and impetuous enthusiasm spread through and fired the 
whole army. Never did General Scott's noble appearance and conduct produce 
a greater influence upon his men than on this memorable day. Mounted on a 
fiery charger, in the midst of his conquering troops, directing in person all the 
brilliant evolutions of the various divisions of the army, dashing from column to 
column amid the carnage of battle and the shouts of the victors, and dispatching 
his orders in all directions with unparalleled celerity ; the illustrious commander- 
in-chief, covered with the smoke and dust of battle, and wounded in the desperate 
strife, was regarded by all as the guardian genius of the hour, the protecting 
aegis of the army, the unconquerable hero who was never vanquished, whose 
banners never trailed in defeat, but tlie sword of whose mighty arm always led 
the way to triumphant victory."' 

SCOTT GRANTS AN ARMISTICE. 

" General Scott, by his brilliant movements before the city of Mexico, and by 
his subsequent decisive victories at Contreras and Churubusco, had displayed 
all the qualities of a gallant officer and a great military commander. He had 
opened the way to the city, and could have entered it sword in hand on the 
evening of the victory on the bloody field of Churiibusco. But he now exhibited 
all the noble qualities of a generous and magnanimous mind. lie refrained from 
pursuing the manifest advantages he had gained, and granted an armistice to the 
enemy. He desired to save the further effusion of blood, and the city from the 
horrors of assault. 

" Santa Anna, however, with characteristic perfidy, only made use of Geaeral 
Scott's forbearance to strengthen the defences of the city, and to arouse the 
people to arms. 

" On the 6th of September, General Scott, having failed in his humane efforts 
to prevent the further waste of life, gave notice that the armistice would termi- 
nate on the following day, and made preparations to attack the city." 

BATTLE OF MOLINO DEL REY. 

" Santa Anna had now stationed himself with his remaining forces on the 
outskirts of the city, at or near the iJill of Cbepultepec. This hill was very 



20 

■Irongly fortified, and ctinimandud the city, as well as several of its principal 
approaches. Its sides were craggy and precipitous, excepting the ascent from 
the city. On its summit stood a stone fortress, of immense size and strength, 
called the Castle. At its foot were strong defences. Among them was the 
"King's Mill," (Molino del Rey,) a large stone building, with thick and high 
walls, and towers at the ends. About fom' hundred yards distant stood another 
thick-walled stone building, called the Casa dc Mala. Strongly posted at and 
about these two points, and between them, hiy the army of Santa Anna, 14,000 
strong. General Scott discerning that the "King's Mill" was employed as a 
founch-y for the piu'pose of casting cannon to be used in the defence of the city, 
determined to attack and destroy it, and break up the enemy's position prepara- 
tory to the storming of Chepultepec. The assault was intrusted to General 
Worth, who accomplished it in the most gallant manner, on the 8th of September, 
but not without frightful loss. The positions at the King's Mill and Casa de Mata 
were defended with obstinate bravery, and only yielded at length to the desperate 
valor of our troops, who poiu-ed in under a hideous tempest of bullets and 
sulphvir, and carried the works. 

" The victory, glorious as it was, was purchased at a ruinous sacrifice. It 
■was, next to Liuidy's Lane, one of the bloodiest battles recorded in American 
history. Nearly onc-fo.urth of Worth's whole corps were cither killed or wuiuided. 
The American force engaged was 3,447, to 14,000 of the enemy. The Ameri- 
cans lost, in killed and wounded, 787. 

" Having accomplished his purpose. General Scott withdrew his troops to 
their quarters, and prepared to finish the reduction of the city by the captiu'e of 
Chepultepec, the site of the ancient palaces of the Mexican monarchs." 

" On the morning of the 12th of September, General Scott, having placed his 
heavy batteries, opened them upon the castle that crowned the summit of tho 
hill of Chepultepec, whither the enemy had retreated, and where he was now 
posted in full force. With the capture of this strong and commanding position, 
the city was destined to falL Tho entire day was occupied in a tremendous 
cannonade on both sides. Tho spectacle was fearful. Our heavy ordnance 
thundered their point-blank shot through the walls of the castle with amazing 
force and precision. The mortars and howitzers belched their destructive mis- 
siles upon all parts of the fortress. Bombs burst in fury within the works. 
Every shell tore up the ramparts. The fire of the enemy was scarcely less 
furious. Night closed the scene. Early in the day of the 13th the signal for an 
assault by two detachments already detailed for the service, was given, and our 
brave troops moved forward to the attack. The stony and precipitous acclivi- 
ties were but slowly mounted, yet the advance of the columns was unwavering, 
though made under the hottest discharge of cannon and musketry. The first 
redoubt was carried amid loud acclamations. Pressing steadily on, our troops 
overcame the most determined resistance, dislodged the enemy at every point, 
and swept up the hill with prodigious energy, in the face of a desolating fire. 
Surrounding the castle on its crest, was a deej) cUtch, and stone walls 12 to 15 
feet in height. Scaling-ladders were planted, and over these formidable ram- 
parts, under a sheet of flame, our men poured with fierce intrepiiEty, filling the 
castle and overwhelming its defenders, who steadily and fiercely resisted to the 
last. The stars and stripes were flung out from its huge walls, while long-con- 
tinued shouts and cheers announced its fall, and the entrance of the American 
army into the regal halls of the Montezumas. In the language of General 
Scott, 'No scene could have been more animating and glorious.' Yet was the 
victory dearly purchased, by a further loss from our gallant corps of 800 killedt 
and wounded." 

ENTRANCE INTO THE CITY OF MEXICO. 

" The shouts that rent tlie air carried consternation to the enemy, and annoimced 
the impending fall of the city below. General Scott had arrived on the walls of 
the castle just as it had been carried, and after a glance at the position of things, 
determined at once to advance by two routes into the city. The columns of Quit- 
man and Worth were ordered to move forward in separate detachments. Worth's 



21 

V 

division became engaged in a street fight in the subui-bs, but forced its way and 
took vip its quarters close upon the city. Quitmsin advanced still further on 
another road, and after sonic hard figUtin,!?, ciic:uni)cd within the gates. On the 
whole of this eventful and glorious day Scott liad displayed wonderful activity, 
and had been at all points where he could best give directions, animate tliO 
troops, or share in the conflicts of his Brave comrades. In every place he ex- 
hibited the coolest self-command, united with the greatest vigilance and ardor. 
And now, as heretofore, in all the movements by which Mexicf) had at lengtli 
fallen into his grasp, he manifested a prudential care, a sagacious foresight, an 
unconquerable heroism, as well as the highest military genius. 

"DurinT tlie night, Santa Anna, fiudiug all further resistance vain, withdrew 
the remnant of his army from the city, and on the m(U-ning of the 14th our 
troops entered the Grand Tlaza. The American flag was hoisted from the top 
of the National Talace, and at the same moment. General Scott, dressed in 
full uniform, at the head of his staff", rode through the victorious columns, 
amidst the vociferous acclamations of the conquerors, while the band of the 
Second Regiment of Dragoons struck up the inspiring air of Yankee Dooule." 

SCOTT IS GOVERNOR OF THE CITY OF MEXICO— A SPLENDID OFFER. 

With only six thousand troops General Scott undertook the 
government of the city, composed of 200,000 hostile inhabitants, 
with the remnants of the Mexican army lurking in its vicinity. It 
was a hazardous, no less than an arduous experiment. Yet under 
his even and certain dispensation of justice, order took the place of 
anarchy ; confidence returned ; and the Mexican people, sccura in 
the novelty of a good government, ofiered the man by whom they had 
been conquered A million and a quarter of dollars in hand, 
AND THE Presidency of the Mexican Repuijlic. With more 
than Eoman firmness. General Scott refused the glittering offer, 
to return to his own country as a prisoner by order of his own 
government. A nobler exhibition of patriotism than this is not 
recorded on any living page of human history. It sheds the 
brightest lustre on the name of Winfield Scott, and will bo 
remembered with the deeds of Washington in ail future tim^e as 
among the loftiest examples of patriotism of the Republic's earlier 
days. 

GENERAL SCOTT IS STRIPPED OF IIIS COMMAND BY PRESIDENT 
POLK.— THE ATTEMPT TO DISGRACE HIM A FAILURE. 

Strong efforts Avere made at Washington, as soon as the war broke 
out, to prevent General Scott's assignment to the command of 
the invading army. That Mr. Polk's earlier intentions to appoint 
him were good, there can be little doubt ; but partisan friends 
flocked about him, and filled his ear with partisan schemes. The 
war, said they, is made by a Democratic Administration, and it 
is but fair that Democrats should reap the glory. Mr. Treadway, 
a representative in Congress from the State of Vii^ginia, admitted, 
in a public speech in the House of Representatives, that he was 
among the number who tvent to the President privately and 



22 

protested against General Scott's a}ypointment to the command 
of the army. His speech may be found in the official reports of 
Congress. Other gentlemen made similar admissions. It was 
not strange, then, that General Scott did not find that hearty sup- 
port from his own government which an invading general with a 
small army so sorely needs. 

The American people became clamorous for General Scott to 
take the field. The administration, under the pressure of this 
feeling from Avithout, and anxious for the successful termination 
of the war, at length ordered General Scott- to Mexico; the Pres- 
ident in person assuring him of his entire confidence and support. 
General Scott accordingly left in November. 

On the 29th of December folloAving, the President sent to the 
Senate a special message asking for the appointment of " a general 
officer to take command of our military forces in the field," and 
who was intended to supersede General Scott. Colonel Benton, 
of Missouri, a Senator in Congress, and a man without military 
experience, was to be appointed by Mr. Polk to fill the place. 

The counti-y was astounded at the proposition, and the measure 
was opposed by nearly all the leading statesmen in Congress. 
After a most determined struggle on the part of the President 
and his friends, it was lost. 

The President next attempted to make Colonel Benton a lieu- 
tenant general over General Scott, in spite of Congress. There 
was no law to authorize such a step ; and had he taken it, im- 
peachment would certainly have followed. It was therefore 
abandoned. 

On the 13th January, 1848, while General Scott was in pos- 
session of the enemy's capital, the Secretary of War, Mr. Marcy, 
ordered General Scott to turn over his command to General 
Butler, and to appear before a court martial, upon frivolous 
charges preferred by inferior officers, who were themselves guilty 
of misconduct, and subject to trial. The American army was 
outraged by this order. Grief and amazement were visible on 
evei'y countenance. The various regiments surrounded the head- 
quarters of their Old Chieftain with badges of mourning. 
They were filled with vengeance against the accusers, and were 
ready for any step. The people were everywhere roused to in- 
dignation, and the conduct of the President was strongly con- 
demned. 

General Scott laid down his command without a murmur, and 
appeared front to front with his accusers. They could find not 
a shadow of proof against him. The court adjourned in April 
to meet again in the City of Frederick. It met in Frederick. 
It had now grown so odious to the country that its proceedings 
were gladly dropped, and never mentioned afterwards by those 



who were iiijitrumeiitul in their creation, without evidences of 
conscious shame and confusion. 

There is n6 room here to dwell on the ingratitude of this last 
act of a locg list of persevering efforts to degrade and disgrace 
the Hero jHio had won such imperishable glory. What justification 
can be offered by the guilty persecutors ? What atonement can 
be made f^r their offences ? Here is a question for thought — 
for deep, isarnest, and sober reflection. 

WiNFTEiiD Scott has written his devotion to his country with 
his own htbod on her battle-fields, from the Falls of Niagara to 
the Gates )f Mexico. He has given a long life to her service in 
the council and the camp; has covered her arms and her flag 
with impeiishable glory, and won a name no less hers than his 
own. Hd has made peace, and saved her millions of treasure and 
thousands of brave men. He has refused the most tempting 
bribes ever offered to man, and amid the bitterest persecutions 
and the basest ingratitude, even at the moment of his greatest 
achievements, has stood by her with a devotion which death only 
could conquer. In the language of another, " the night that he 
laid his gray hairs on his prisoner's pillow, witnessed a nobler 
deed than the day that looked on his most victorious battle-field." 



END. 



24 



From the N. Y. Veekiy TriV 

THE BATTLE OF NIAGARA. ~ ^ 



Along -where wild Niagara 

Sends up its ceaseless roar, 
There came a glittering army, 

All in the days of yore ; 
Saint George's Cross was flaunting 

With many a haughty fold, 
On gorgeous banners woven, 

With woof of shining gold. 

Their ranks, bright-hued with scarlet. 

Were ranged in proud array. 
And war-steeds, gaily prancing, 

Led on the glorious way ; 
And jeweled hilts were flashing. 

And waving pities were there, 
And biirsts of miiTtial music 

Rang on the morning air. 

Lo ! from the land of freedom 
Brave yeomanry there came, 

Whofouglit not for dominion. 

Nor yet for fleeting fame ; 
..With hearts ■^|ijJ^Jspi^w.,no quailing 

J'^'Before the pageant throng, 

And sinews that Oppression 
Had rendered- doubly strong. 

The mid-day saw them gathered 

In battle's stern array, 
The waning hours beheld them 

Still fierce amid tlie fray ; 
All warmly ebbed the life-tide 

From many a throbbing vein, 
And writhing forms were trampled 

Upon the gory plain. 

The siin, that set in glory 

Amia the wreathing oloud, 
A moment paused, and painted 

Th.at death-field on his sliroud ; 
And then his bright eye faded, 

And, calmly, on his breast 
He wrapped his robe of crimson, 

And sank away to rest. 

The houro of evening gathered 

Swift on the daylight's close ; 
Clad in her misty garments 

The pale, wan moon arose ; 
Her dim light fell but faintly 

And fitfully between 
The rolling of the war-clouds 

That wrapped the fearful scene. 

She saw the dying struggle 

With agonizing throes. 
And in their sleep eternal 

Beheld the dead repose : 



Here, by his gun, the soldier 

Lay stiff upon the plain, 
And there the death-cold rider 

Still grasped the bloody jei\. 
I 
Night deepened, dark andilo< 'n;'„ 

Upon the battle-field. 
And bayonets still were clashi .f, 

And still the cannon pealed 
There was no light to giiiclv' il oij 

Save, like the meteor's '^vj 
Red death-flames, wildly le;/.p 

Along the miu'ky air. 

Then charged Columbia's fr-it 

For liberty and right, 
Then stormed brave Millbk, "■ 

The cannon-planted heigi* 
Then, 'neath his starry ba: 

The gallant Scott below. 
Swept, with his trusty folic '- 

Upon the wavering foe. 

The midnight stars looked ■ n; i -~. 

Above the gory bed. 
Where gallant forms were s iet>^ping, 

Now numbered with the iend ; 
There was no din of battle, 

Nor music's martial strain 
But the still, cold air breathed gentlj- 

Along the dewy plain. 

The Warrior, deadly wounded, 

Thought of his home, and wept ; 
Upon his couch the weary 

Sank heavily and slept ; , 
The sentinel, slow pacing. 

Heard not a sound o'er all, 
But the deep voice of NiagJii'a, 

In its eternal fall. 

'Tis past ! No more shall csrr : i 

With warm blood damp the i 't. 
Contending armies never 

Shall struggle there agair 
No more, in battle deadly. 

Shall the loiid cannon's n 
Be lieard with jiealing echo 

Along Niagara's shore. 

0, proudly let us cherish 

The memory of those 
Who, for our rights, are sle ir, 

In death's long, deep repc 
All honor to the living, -f 

Who for their country ble ^ J^,- 
And ever bright the laurels "'■ 

Upon The Chieftain's h< « 



V/ 



^^ 



